Mental Health Support Worker in Poole inPoole PUBLISHED WED 5 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section
Band 3: £24,937 to £26,598 a year p.a. pro rata for part time
PERMANENT
NO SPONSORSHIP
ENHANCED DBS FAMILY INTENSIVE CARE UNIT MENTAL HEALTH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY NHS NIGHTS
Job description
Work on a female‑only PICU — provide specialist, gender‑sensitive care to women in an environment tailored for their needs.
Join Dorset HealthCare — a CQC 'Outstanding' Trust where 89% of staff say they can really make a difference.
No prior mental‑health role required — full on‑the‑job training provided, including PMVA, breakaway and manual handling.
DBS cost covered by the Trust and access to employability support for CVs, application help and interview coaching.
Permanent Band 3 role (£24,937–£26,598 pro rata) with full‑ and part‑time shift patterns to suit family life.
Small 5‑bed unit in Poole (BH13) — tight‑knit team, quicker skills development and a practical commute if you drive.
Work as a Mental Health Support Worker at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust based at St Ann’s Hospital, Poole (Haven Female PICU, BH13). You will care for women in the most acute phase of serious mental disorder within a five‑bed ward, supporting people with psychosis, mood disorders, complex trauma and personality disorders. The role sits within a friendly, multidisciplinary team delivering calm, therapeutic and least‑restrictive care: you’ll help meet physical, psychological and social needs, support patients detained under the Mental Health Act, implement co‑produced individual care plans, manage high‑risk behaviour safely and lead meaningful on‑ and off‑ward activities. Shift work across the seven‑day rota (including nights) is required; successful applicants must complete Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression training and an Enhanced DBS check (the Trust covers the cost). Please note applicants needing Skilled Worker sponsorship are not eligible.
This permanent post (Agenda for Change Band 3, £24,937–£26,598 pa pro rata) is open full‑time or part‑time and is especially well suited to carers and women looking for flexible, purposeful work where skills and confidence are developed on the job. Mental health experience is desirable but not essential — the team will support your development. Essential requirements include basic IT, literacy/numeracy, NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent, good communication, teamwork and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Dorset HealthCare is an inclusive, supportive Trust rated outstanding by the CQC in 2019 and offers real opportunities to grow; this vacancy is also promoted on jobsincare.com. To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button alongside this advert.
This permanent post (Agenda for Change Band 3, £24,937–£26,598 pa pro rata) is open full‑time or part‑time and is especially well suited to carers and women looking for flexible, purposeful work where skills and confidence are developed on the job. Mental health experience is desirable but not essential — the team will support your development. Essential requirements include basic IT, literacy/numeracy, NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent, good communication, teamwork and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Dorset HealthCare is an inclusive, supportive Trust rated outstanding by the CQC in 2019 and offers real opportunities to grow; this vacancy is also promoted on jobsincare.com. To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button alongside this advert.
Work on a female‑only PICU — provide specialist, gender‑sensitive care to women in an environment tailored for their needs.
Join Dorset HealthCare — a CQC 'Outstanding' Trust where 89% of staff say they can really make a difference.
No prior mental‑health role required — full on‑the‑job training provided, including PMVA, breakaway and manual handling.
DBS cost covered by the Trust and access to employability support for CVs, application help and interview coaching.
Permanent Band 3 role (£24,937–£26,598 pro rata) with full‑ and part‑time shift patterns to suit family life.
Small 5‑bed unit in Poole (BH13) — tight‑knit team, quicker skills development and a practical commute if you drive.
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
Requirements
See the job description for full role requirements.
Benefits
Work on a female‑only PICU — provide specialist, gender‑sensitive care to women in an environment tailored for their needs.; Join Dorset HealthCare — a CQC 'Outstanding' Trust where 89% of staff say they can really make a difference.; No prior mental‑health role required — full on‑the‑job training provided, including PMVA, breakaway and manual handling.; DBS cost covered by the Trust and access to employability support for CVs, application help and interview coaching.; Permanent Band 3 role (£24,937–£26,598 pro rata) with full‑ and part‑time shift patterns to suit family life.; Small 5‑bed unit in Poole (BH13) — tight‑knit team, quicker skills development and a practical commute if you drive.
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More about the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...
More about MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the fragility of mental well-being across different demographics, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. It has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of mental health care, accessibility, and the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses. Learn more...
Useful skills for a Mental Health Support Worker:
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To work as a Mental Health Support Worker in the UK, you’ll need a combination of personal qualities, skills, and sometimes formal qualifications. Here’s a comprehensive list of the key skills and attributes required:
Essential Skills and Qualities
1. Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others is crucial.
2. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
3. Active Listening: Being able to listen attentively and understand what clients are expressing is vital in providing support.
4. Interpersonal Skills: Building trusting relationships with clients and their families is essential for effective support.
5. Patience: Working in mental health can be challenging. Patience is needed to help clients at their own pace.
6. Resilience: The ability to cope with challenging situations and emotional strain is important in this role.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and address issues as they arise is essential for supporting clients effectively.
8. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Maintaining an open and accepting mindset towards individuals regardless of their backgrounds or experiences is crucial.
9. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals is often necessary to provide comprehensive care.
10. Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting cultural differences can help provide more effective and personalized care.
Additional Skills
1. Basic IT Skills: Familiarity with computers and electronic health records may be required for documentation and reporting.
2. Crisis Management: Skills in managing emergencies or crises are important in situations where clients may be at risk.
3. Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders: Understanding various mental health conditions and treatments can improve the support provided to clients.
4. Organizational Skills: The ability to manage time and keep records of interventions, appointments, and client progress is crucial.
Qualifications
While formal qualifications are not always required to become a Mental Health Support Worker, having a relevant qualification can be beneficial, such as:
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care
- Diploma in Mental Health Support Work
- Experience in a related field, such as social care, nursing, or psychology, may also be valuable.
Training and Certification
Many employers provide training programs for new staff, covering essential areas such as:
- Mental health awareness
- Safeguarding
- First aid and basic life support
- Health and safety procedures
Experience
Having previous experience in a care setting, even in a voluntary capacity, can be advantageous and is often looked upon favorably by employers.
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